If you live prepared, you’re prepared to live

It’s Severe Weather Awareness Week and officials are urging everyone to get a disaster preparedness plan in place. What can you do to keep yourself and your family safe?

Matt Lawrence works with governments and organizations here and abroad to get solid preparedness plans in place.

First, he says families need to focus on where everyone will meet when severe weather threatens. That means in the home, at a friend or family’s home, and knowing when to evacuate.

Next, stock up supplies. He says while the government recommends one gallon of drinking water per person per day, he thinks everyone should stock double that amount. That way, there’s plenty to cook and clean up with, too. Keep enough on hand to last a few days, he says, until help has a chance to come in with more supplies.

Lawrence says to pack what he calls a "go bag" for everyone in the family. It can be as simple as a zip-lock bag with a change of clothes, prescription medicines, an extra pair of eyeglasses and some snacks.

Preparedness, he says, is a matter of personal responsibility.

He says history has already shown it — What should you expect from the federal government during a natural disaster? "Nothing."

For more on how to be prepared, generator safety, how to lock down your home before evacuating and more, click the audio link and listen to the full interview.